A major breakthrough has emerged in the investigation into the deaths of four members of a family in Mumbai’s Pydhonie area. Authorities have confirmed that the victims died after consuming rat poison, overturning earlier suspicions that watermelon itself was responsible for the tragedy.
Forensic reports revealed the presence of Zinc Phosphide — a toxic chemical commonly used in rat poison — in the bodies of all four victims. Investigators also detected the same substance in samples taken from the watermelon eaten by the family. Other food items collected from the house tested negative during examination.
The shocking incident had sparked widespread concern across Mumbai over the past two weeks, as many believed contaminated watermelon was the cause of the deaths. The fear even affected watermelon sales in several markets across the city.
Police have now closed the initial phase of the investigation, nearly 11 days after the deaths occurred. However, officials are continuing to examine whether the Dokadia family consumed the poison intentionally or if it entered the watermelon accidentally.
The victims — Abdullah Dokadia, his wife Nasreen, and their daughters Ayesha and Zaineb — lived in Ghari Mohalla on Ismail Kurte Road in Pydhonie. According to investigators, the family had hosted relatives at their home on the night of April 25.
After the guests left around 1 am, the four family members reportedly ate slices of watermelon. Within hours, they developed severe symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea. They were first taken to a nearby hospital and later shifted to the government-run J J Hospital, where all four died while undergoing treatment.
Authorities are now focused on determining how the Zinc Phosphide contaminated the watermelon and whether the poisoning was deliberate or accidental.
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